Unleash the power of LTL shipping
What is Less than Truck Load?
When we talk about LTL in transportation, we refer to the fact of transporting different packages or packages inside the same truck. In other words, the space of a complete trailer is used to transport different types of goods, which may come from different companies.
In this way, the transport company receives different requests for small loads and stores them in a single truck until 100% of its capacity is filled.
In short, unlike FTL transport, where the entire capacity of a truck is used to transport a single load from a single company, in LTL transport the transport company has a complete truck at its disposal to move different packages.
When to use LTL?
It is often said that if the freight shipment is less than 6 pallets, LTL is recommended. The costs are lower than the FTL option as you share cargo space with other customers’ goods, and therefore the cost can be split.
LTL is the best alternative if you can afford more flexible and longer lead times and the cargo is not sensitive or fragile.
Advantages of LTL:
- More economical in recurring shipments.
- Allows access to new markets by being able to send product samples.
- Reduces time in supply and production processes due to earlier availability of inputs.
- Reduces inventory of slow moving goods and storage costs.
- In some countries, customs procedures are faster since they are carried out only at the origin and destination, not at the border.
Maximizes profits by filling unused space in trailers and shipping containers. - By consolidating loads, fewer controllers are used.
- Serves the needs of a greater number of manufacturers.
- Can provide discounted pricing for entities with consistent LTL shipments.
LTL shipping cost is derived based on distance, volume, weight, freight class and additional services, such as inland pickup, refueling and arrival notification, plus driver’s pay.